stoke etymology

Etymology

The word "stoke" has its origins in two Old English words:

  • "stocian" (verb): meaning "to kindle," "to stir up," or "to thrust"
  • "stoc" (noun): meaning "a place" or "a stake"

Meaning

The primary meaning of "stoke" is to stir up or tend a fire, or to intensify its heat or flames. By extension, it can also mean:

  • To stimulate or excite something, such as an emotion or passion
  • To provoke or incite an action or response
  • To provide fuel or energy to something, such as a machine or an idea

Origin

The Old English word "stocian" was originally used in the context of tending a fire. The noun "stoc" referred to the stake or pile of wood that formed the base of the fire. Over time, the verb "stocian" came to be used more generally to describe any act of stirring or exciting something.

In the 16th century, the word "stoke" began to be used figuratively in the sense of "to provoke" or "to incite." This usage was likely influenced by the idea of stirring up emotions or passions as if they were a fire.

The modern use of "stoke" to mean "to provide fuel or energy" emerged in the 19th century with the advent of steam engines and other machines. The term was used to describe the act of adding coal or other fuel to the firebox in order to generate steam and power the engine.

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